Establishment
President Teddy Roosevelt made the cave--which is six miles from the South Dakota town of Hot Springs in the western portion of the state--and the surrounding land into the seventh national park in the nation but the first one that focused on a system of caves.
Bison
As the bison herds in the country neared extinction, the park became a preserve for the species. The prairie of the park made an excellent place to reestablish the species, which began in 1912.
Time Frame
Scientists estimate Wind Cave to be some 300 million years old, making it one of the oldest caves known to man.
Size
The constant exploration of the caves has found 142 miles of passages as of October 2009, making Wind Caves the third-longest in the United States and the fourth-longest on Earth.
Significance
The caves are famous for what geologists term as "boxwork," which forms when slender calcite blades project off the walls and ceiling to produce a honeycomb effect as they intersect.
Article Written By John Lindell
John Lindell has written articles for "The Greyhound Review" and various other online publications. A Connecticut native, his work specializes in sports, fishing and nature. Lindell worked in greyhound racing for 25 years.
